Missing Children Publication Hub

The publications in this section contain the results of our research as well as curated research on topics and issues relevant to missing children in Europe and the world. Example of the type of research you can find are understanding the causes of the different types of missing children cases in Europe, policy on missing children, search and rescue operations and family support. The menu and submenu options below will help you find what you're looking for.

If you'd like to share relevant research with us, please send the title, a link and description of the research to info@missingchildreneurope.eu.

First Implementation report on protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust(by Council of Europe)

The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (“Lanzarote Convention”) provides that a specific monitoring mechanism be set up to ensure an effective implementation of its provisions by Parties (Article 1§2). This report is the first implementation report developed by the Committee of the Parties to the Lanzarote Convention (the “Lanzarote Committee” or “the Committee”). It contains the Committee’s evaluation of the implementation by Parties of a selected number of provisions of the Lanzarote Convention which are relevant to assess the situation in Parties with respect to “the protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust”.

Lanzarote Committee’s second implementation report “The protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust: the strategies” by Lanzarote committee

In a new report, the Lanzarote Committee analyses the strategies used by 26 State Parties to protect children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust (extended family and persons close to the child who exercise influence over the child). According to the report, States Parties to the Council of Europe’s Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (Lanzarote Convention) are undertaking effective steps in this field.

Lanzarote Committee’s second implementation report: Protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust: The strategies by Lanzarote committee

Lanzarote Committee’s second implementation report: Protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust: The strategies

Figures and Trends 2015 by Missing Children Europe

Every year Missing Children Europe collects data and statistics on missing children reported to hotlines for missing children active in all EU Member States and to the Cross Border Family mediator network.

Protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust: The strategies by Lanzarote committee

Protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust: The strategies

Despite increased awareness and a heightened state of alert regarding child sexual exploitation children are still slipping through the net and falling prey to sexual predators. Serious gaps remain in the knowledge, practice and services required to tackle this problem.

Running from hate to what you think is love: The relationship between running away and child sexual exploitation by Emilie Smeaton

This report focuses on different cases of sexual exploitation on children. The report has a strong background information, with true examples. It tries to identify the problem of disappearance due to abuse.

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities' toolkit to stop sexual violence against children by Anon

The Congress has produced a campaign toolkit in 22 language versions to encourage local and regional authorities in Europe to sign up to the Pact of Towns and Regions to Stop Sexual Violence against Children and take measures at local and regional level.

Study to understand the incidence and severity of aggression among sexually abused girls who were trafficked and then used for commercial sexual exploitation. In addition, the impact of counseling for minimizing aggression from these girls was investigated.

This study both describes a home-visiting intervention program for young, sexually assaulted runaways (10 - 14 years old) and provides preliminary outcomes from the first 20 female participants.

Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse by Susanna Greijer and Jaap Doek

Communication is of critical importance in our efforts to respect, protect and implement the rights of the child. In order to make this communication with and between children, parents, governmental officials, professionals and volunteers working with or for children as effective as possible, we need to use terms and concepts that all these actors understand and consider respectful.

A survey on the transposition of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating sexual absue and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography by Missing Children Europe, ECPAT, eNasco

The main objective of the project was to compare the choice of ‘methods and strategies’ developed by Member States in order to achieve the binding results defined by the Directive and to assess them based on the best interests of the child.

Child abduction is every parent and community's worst nightmare. Specifically, a
child abducted from inside a residence can be a source of great panic and give the perception that the four walls of one's home offer little or no protection from offenders who ...

Referring to reported cases of violence perpetrated in several types of institutions for children, both among children and by adults, the Commissioner called on the Bulgarian authorities to investigate such allegations and protect children from further harm.

No One Runs Away For No Reason: Understanding Safeguarding Issues When Children and Young People Go Missing From Home by L Hill, J Taylor, F Richards, S Reddington

Paper exploring the safeguarding concerns and responses for children and young people who run away or go missing from home

Research within the framework of developing a “Child Alert system”, a project coordinated by Child Focus.

Child Alerts for missing children: need for a balanced and integrated approach by Missing Children Europe

Endangered missing children for which a child alert system can be of use constitute an average 1 to 2% of the total cases of missing children. While child alert systems can be of use in those 1 to 2%, the overall problem of missing children - of which an average 60% concern children running away from situations of conflict, abuse, violence and neglect - requires a much more comprehensive approach, including measures aimed at prevention and empowerment.

Still in Harm's Way: An update report on trafficked and unaccompanied children going missing from care in the UK by ECPAT UK and Missing People

Following on from their ground-breaking 2016 report Heading Back to Harm, leading charities ECPAT UK and Missing People have revisited the issue using 2017 data to assess what has changed. This report shows that trafficked and unaccompanied children are still going missing from care at an alarmingly high rate.

What the Professionals Know: The Trafficking of Children Into, and Through, the UK for Sexual Purposes by Carron Somerset

Study to identify the facts on the the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation into and through the UK.

Missing Children and Adults: A Cross Government Strategy by Anon

Providing the correct and suitable protection for every child and especially protecting those children at risk.

The educational integration of separated minors: a comparison of the situations in France and Quebec by Eva Lemaire

It investigates the educational experiences of thirty-two separated children (unaccompanied minors seeking refuge) in two different regions: the Ile-de-France (Paris) region of France and the province of Quebec in Canada.

What YOU can do to protect children on the move by Mike Dottridge

Handbook to enable organisations to review how they prevent child trafficking and exploitation, and whether they ensure that the best interests of the child guide their activities

The IMPACT study notes that child rights violation also persists in Europe, despite the body of international, regional and national legal instruments adopted across the region to prohibit the practice and assist child victims

The wellbeing of children in cases of international child abduction by Hilde Demarré

Presentation ''The wellbeing of children in cases of international child abduction'' was delivered at the conference was organised by the School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, partnered with the Centre for the Study of Missing Persons at Portsmouth University and sponsored by WPC Software and the UK Missing Person’s Unit.

INTERACT: Practical guidance on preventing and responding to trafficking and disappearances of children in migration by Missing Children Europe

This handbook aims to stimulate and disseminate practices on how to better cooperate in prevention, response and after care of missing or exploited children in migration.

Protection of children and vulnerable adults: police disclosure of damaging allegations by Bennion, F. A

Explores the nature and methods of abuse in child trafficking. It also explores the protection and treatment offered to these vulnerable children.

Vulnerable Children on the run: A European Challenge by Martin Houghton-Brown

Summarizes a speech given by Martin Houghton-Brown given on the subject of children runaways.

Children’s rights in return policy and practice in Europe by Jan Murk

A discussion paper on the return of unaccompanied and separated children to institutional reception or family

SUMMIT REPORT: Best practices and key challenges on interagency cooperation to safeguard unaccompanied children from going missing by Federica Toscano, Karen Shalev Greene

According to Europol, 10,000 unaccompanied migrant children have disappeared within hours of being registered and only a handful have been found since. The study calls for improved cooperation between law enforcement, social workers in shelters and reception centres, guardians, hotlines for missing children and other parties to better prevent and respond to the disappearance of unaccompanied children.

Missing Persons A handbook of research by Karen Shalev Greene and Llian Alys

This groundbreaking book brings together for the first time ideas and expertise across this vast subject area into one interconnected publication. It explores the subjects of missing children, missing adults, the investigative process of missing person cases, and the families of missing persons.

The cultural nature of missing by Joe Apps

The notions of trying to define 'missing' and 'missingness' are fascinating. Many people, who are reported to authorities as being missing by family and friends, do not consider themselves as missing persons; when found, they are surprised that they have been considered as 'missing'. Adults have rights to do as they please and also the right to be forgotten.

Development of EU template and collection plan for statistical information and analysis on missing and sexually exploited children and trafficking in human beings in order to have reliable and comparable collection and analysis of indicators and other data, as well as enabling communication between EU, other EU bodies and third party organisations.

Trafficking in Women and Children for Sexual Purposes: A Growing Threat in Europe by Manion, K

Presents and summarises sources of information regarding the trafficking of women and children for sexual purposes within Europe. Highlights the need for education of social care professionals regarding this issue and shows the current gaps within the system.

European commission communication on protecting children in migration by European Commission

European commission communication on protecting children in migration

European Parliament resolution on the protection of children in migration (May 2018) by European Commission

European Parliament resolution on the protection of children in migration (May 2018)

Facial identification of children by Elidh Fergusan

In situations where comparative material is present, for example, child pornographic material, or the captured sighting of a missing individual, the potential to use facial comparison techniques to aid identification is an appealing one.

Uprooted: THE GROWING CRISIS FOR REFUGEE AND MIGRANT CHILDREN by UNICEF

Uprooted: The growing crisis for refugee and migrant children presents new data that paint a sad and sobering global picture of the lives and situations of millions of children and families affected by violent conflict and other crises that make it seem safer to risk everything on a perilous
journey than to remain at home.

This article discusses the distinctive features of CTG, how it is different from normal bereavement, how this condition is assessed, and promising treatments for children who experience a traumatic loss.

Guardianship systems for children deprived of parental care in the European Union by

This report explores the key features of guardianship systems put in place to cater for the needs of all children in need of protection, including child victims and those at risk of becoming victims of trafficking in human beings or of other forms of exploitation. The research covers four specific areas, namely the type of guardianship systems in place, the profile of appointed guardians, the appointment procedures, and the tasks of the guardians.

This handbook aims to stimulate and disseminate practices on how to better cooperate in prevention, response and after care of missing unaccompanied children.

Implementation Handbook: putting the investing in children recommendation into practice by Eurochild

The 2013 European Commission Recommendation “Investing in Children: Breaking the cycle of disadvantage” presented a comprehensive policy approach to child poverty and well-being. A new Implementation Handbook by Eurochild and its partners in the EU Alliance for Investing in Children, shows how member states can translate the policy guidelines into action.

"Cut Off From Justice: The impact of excluding separated migrant children from legal aid by Dr Helen Connolly, Ilona Pinter

In April 2013, the Government implemented changes to the legal aid system which means that separated or unaccompanied migrant children - those without a parent or guardian in this country - are no longer be able to get free support with their immigration cases. The report focus on the issue.

Let children be children: Lessons from the Field on the Protection and Integration of Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe by Eurochild and SOS Children's Villages

Let children be children: Lessons from the Field on the Protection and Integration of Refugee and Migrant Children in Europe

Lost in Migration: Working together to protect children from disappearances, from European priorities to local realities by Missing Children Europe

Challenges and progress in implementing the European Commission Communication on the Protection of Children in Migration: Providing effective protection and enhancing integration at local level.

Report summarising findings from the Second National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children. National estimates of missing children based on surveys of households, juvenile residential facilities, and law enforcement agencies.

Outlines the history and activation process of the Amber Alert, as well as the challenges and advantages experienced by the agencies involved.

Position paper: Child tracking devices by Missing Children Europe

A tracking device is an electronic security mechanism which allows monitoring the location of a person or an object. Over the past years, many tracking devices have been developed enabling adults to monitor and locate their children. This paper outlines Missing Children Europe's research and opinion on the issue of using child tracking devices.

Missing children figures and trends 2014 by Missing Children Europe

An annual data collection exercise to collect data on the numbers, categories and trends of missing children in Europe based on calls and cases dealt with by 116 000 missing children hotlines across Europe. While effective and standardised data collection mechanisms are lacking in Europe, this annual review provides for one of the only reliable and updated sources of information on missing children for the past year.

Missing and abducted children: A law enforcement guide to case investigation and program management by Eds: Preston Findlay, Robert G Lowery

Guide to assist law enforcement in the search for missing children. Its two goals are to provide (1) Police Officers with a step by step info. On how to respond to and investigate missing child cases, and (2) Administrators with the programmatic framework to manage the missing-child response within their agency's jurisdiction

Investigating missing children cases: a guide for first responders and investigators by Sprague, D. F.

Provides a solid training guide on missing children investigative techniques, enabling law enforcement professionals to respond confidently with a plan of action that offers the best possible chance for a positive outcome.

INTERACT: Report on multi-agency practical simulations on fictional cases in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and Sweden by Missing Children Europe

This report illustrates the implementation and the results of the simulations of cases of missing children in migration is order to test practices and procedures for multi-agency collaboration at national and cross-border level.

The research addresses the question of how effective Supermarket Posters are in Helping to Find Missing Children

Missing Children in the European Union Mapping, data collection and statistics by European Commission

Collected and analysed data, and developed the basis to improve the mechanisms involved when children go missing in the 27 EU Member States.

In the Loop: young people talking about missing by Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit in collaboration with Emily, Izi, Lily and Max.

This book is written by and for children and young people who live with having someone missing in their lives. That missing person might be a parent or grandparent, a brother or sister, an aunt, uncle or cousin.

Disappearing, departing, running away. A surfeit of children in Europe by Anon

Study carried out in Belgium, France, Spain and Switzerland on the disappearances of unaccompanied foreign minors placed in institutions. This publication seeks to contribute ways of improving the care of unaccompanied foreign minors arriving in European countries.

Missing Children Memorandum to the EU by Delphine Moralis

Recommendations on effective European strategies regarding the cross-border problem of missing children.

Breaking the cycle: Collaborating and behaving differently to improve the outcomes and experiences of missing children by Kerry Wade

The purpose of this paper is to explore how, by encouraging all key stakeholders to “play nicely and act maturely” to share responsibility, the author was able to improve outcomes for children reported missing to Gwent Police. The paper shows that sharing responsibility is a critical factor in such collaboration, requiring people and agencies to let go of power that usually interferes with a preparedness to avoid blame, a willingness to enjoy the rewards of success and together manage the risks.

Haunting Argentina: Synecdoche in the protests of mothers of the Plaza de Mayo by Karen A. Foss

This essay analyzes the protests of the Mothers by means of the metaphor of haunting and suggest that their symbols‐diapers as kerchiefs, slogans and sayings, circling the plaza, and marches‐enact a haunting by means of synecdoche.

Looking back: 15 years of prevention and responses to missing children in the European Union by Delphine Moralis

In 2001, the Council of the European Union adopted a Resolution on the contribution of civil society in finding missing or sexually exploited children under the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Resolution coincided with the launch at the European Parliament of the European Federation for Missing and Sexually Exploited Children - now operating under the name Missing Children Europe. It also announced the beginning of a series of initiatives taken at the level of the EU to protect children from going missing. Measures taken over the past 15 years have included legislation, policy and funding, often promoting a public private partnerships response involving a broad range of stakeholders at different levels.
The presentation will outline and contextualise some of these key European initiatives and their impact at national level, including the latest data on the caseload of hotlines for missing children reachable in 29 European countries through the same European telephon

To date, few attempts have been made to evaluate the effectiveness of publicity campaigns, all of which were carried out in the USA. While scarce, the research tends to reveal disappointing results and suggest that publicity appeals don’t necessarily positively impact the investigation or search. The dissemination of images of missing children furthermore raises potential issues regarding the impact that it may have on the protection of the child’s privacy and overall wellbeing. Others however argue that appeals can help to gather vital information from the public and safeguard children at risk, with Child Alert systems in particular having been credited for safeguarding missing children (OJJPD, 2016). These views call for further research to ensure the effectiveness
of publicity appeals in their potential of saving lives, while limiting the negative impact for missing children and their families.

Family Factors and Runaway Missing Children: A Review of Theories and Research by Ravi Shankar B. G., Ravindra D.Gadkar

This paper reviews the research that has investigated the relationship between family factors and runaway incidence of Children. It also examines the prominent theories to understand runaway phenomena. It aims to assist practitioners and policy makers who work with children and families to make evidence informed
decisions

The European hotline number for missing children: A practical guide for hotline operators by Missing Children Europe

It contains key recommendations and examples of existing practices that every NGO running, or wishing to run, the 116000 hotline can draw inspiration from and make use of.

Running the Risks: The links between gang involvement and young people going missing by Rachel Sturrock and Lucy Holmes

The UK Missing Persons Bureau estimates that as many as 160,000 children and young people are reported missing every year. Research from the Children’s Society over the past decade has shed some light on this issue and the recent spotlight on CSE has pushed the issue of children and young people going missing up the political agenda. However, the link between gang involvement and going missing from home is still very much unknown, with no specific research or national data collected indicating how many are affected.

Ambiguous Loss and Its Effects on Children: Implications and Interventions for School Counselors by K Guidry, C. Simpson, T Test, C Bloomfield

The purpose of this article is to define and describe the concept of grief and how it may explain challenging behaviors with students. Additionally, this definition will be expanded by introducing the definition of ambiguous grief.

Still Hidden by Nicola Sharp

The article underlines and explores the possible link between children that go missing and child sexual exploitation.

Meeting the Needs of Sexually Exploited Young People in London by Harper, Z, & Scott, S

A research report based on interviews with social services on the issue of child trafficking, in the UK.

Heading back to harm A study on trafficked and unaccompanied children going missing from care in the UK by Andrea Simon, Chloe Setter,Lucy Holmes

This research attempts to quantify the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and children who may be trafficked in the UK care system, as well as the number who go missing from care.

The link between: Trafficked children and missing by

Every year approximately 250,000 people are reported missing to the police and other agencies across the UK. About two thirds of these reports will be children under 18 (Home Office: 2010), and a proportion of will have been victims of trafficking.

Children on the Move, Family Tracing and Needs Assessment - Guidelines for Better Cooperation between Professionals Dealing With Unaccompanied Foreign Children in Europe - relatorio da IJJO by Anon

The report suggests some practical steps to favour the creation of a more connected network of practitioners and associations, to foster cooperation in practice as well as on a more strategic level.

Sans Papiers- The Social and Economic Lives of Young Undocumented Migrants by Alice Bloch, Nando Sigona, Roger Zetter

Sans Papiers combines a contemporary account of the theoretical and policy debates with an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of undocumented migrants in the UK from Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, Ukraine and Turkish Kurdistan.

Focusing on the areas of education, health care, protection from violence and non-detention, this report seeks to support and disseminate such policies, by presenting several promising examples from governments at all levels, alongside some available data and relevant policy documents at EU level.

UNICEF has concerns about the situation and the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who may be returned to their country of origin. One of the main recommendations of the report is that return policies should be made child proof and in line with children's rights.

Uprooted and unprotected: A multi-agency approach to safeguarding children forced into migration through northern France by NSPCC’s Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC)

Uprooted and unprotected: A multi-agency approach to safeguarding children forced into migration through northern France